From the Post Graduation Work Permit to the Permanent Residency: Navigating Life Beyond the PGWP

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) plays a crucial role in Canada's immigration system, offering international students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and progress toward permanent residency (PR).

This permit allows graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)—institutions approved by provincial or territorial governments to host international students—to receive an open work permit after completing their program. The duration of this permit ranges from nine months to three years, providing essential time to acquire Canadian work experience, a key factor in applying for PR.

The Evolution of the PGWP

During the labor shortages caused by the pandemic in late 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased the issuance of PGWPs to encourage international students to stay and contribute to the Canadian labor market. This initiative resulted in approximately 90,000 permanent residencies being granted to temporary workers and PGWP holders.

By the end of 2023, however, the number of PGWP holders had risen to 396,235—almost triple the figure from 2018. This increase led to challenges such as limited access to skilled jobs, strain on the healthcare system, and rising living costs. In response, the IRCC introduced new restrictions for PGWP applicants*, including:

• Proof of English or French language skills: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). The minimum score required is CLB 5 for college, polytechnic, or non-university programs, and CLB 7 for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Accepted language tests are:

  • English: CELPIP, IELTS, PTE Core.

  • French: TEF, TCF.

• Limitations on work permit applications and extensions for accompanying spouses of international students.

• Restrictions on eligible study programs in the DLI list to encourage students to pursue academic fields aligned with labor shortages. As of 2025, eligible programs are categorized into six key areas:

  • Agriculture and Agri-food.

  • Education.

  • Healthcare.

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

  • Trades.

  • Transportation.

It is crucial for prospective students to verify that their chosen program qualifies for the PGWP before applying.

PGWP: A Pathway to Permanent Residency

Although the requirements for the PGWP have become stricter, aligning your educational and professional goals with Canada's labor market needs significantly increases the chances of achieving permanent residency.

PGWP holders have access to PR pathways such as:

• The Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) tailored to each province's priorities.

• Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (QWSP) and Québec Experience Program (PEQ).

  Important note: The reception of permanent selection applications under the "Workers" and "Graduates" streams of the PEQ is suspended until November 30, 2025. As this is a topical subject, information may change in the future and may no longer be up to date.

While your journey has evolved, temporary and permanent residency remains within reach. The key is to plan and develop a clear strategy to help you and your family build your Canadian journey. At Wexcan, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us—we’re just one click away!

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Permanent residency

PGWP